Looking for a compassionate doctor in Portland Oregon with knowledge of I.C.

[Talula]

I am going to begin looking for a new primary care doctor to manage me pain and medications. I have a uro already who I like, but leaves the management of my pain to my primary doctor or pain clinic. I am on other medications that are for things besides IC too. I am in my early thirties and a mother and have had not one pain free day for the last 8 months. Life is becoming more and more difficult and communicating my pain level to my doctor is not working, she doesnt seem to believe that I am in pain all day long and seems to be of the opinion that my pain should be going away soon (which would be great, but I doubt it will) I was up crying for four hours last night after everyone was asleep cause I am in so much pain, am getting little sleep and have no family who are able to help me or take care of me during the work week. I just want an empathetic doctor, even if it was an alternative doctor, I just want to find someone who understands what I going through and can help me.

[Bethany2v]

Hi Talula,
I live in Vancouver, WA and am also looking for a doctor that understands IC. I have urologist that I go to in Gresham, OR that I went to today because I'm flaring and unfortunately she wasn't able to help much! Basically just told me to continue taking what I was taking, cross my fingers and hope that it gets better! So frustrating!

Things would be so much easier if we had a doctor that could handle "regular" issues but also IC! I especially would like to find one that deals with alternative options as well as traditional medicine but they are hard to find! I'll let you know if I find a good doctor in this area, perhaps if you have any success also you could let me know?

IC is such a hard thing to deal with, I will be praying for you that you get some relief! :)

[Talula]

Of course I'll let you know, thank for your reply, and prayers. I will keep you in mine as well. I am thinking about going to see a chiropractor and I am also thinking about going to the Naturopathic college in Portland (NCNM) who just opened a clinic with a lab last year I think. Problem is it is like 90 dollars for the initial visit. Let me just say, I didn't get IC from a UTI like most, I got symptoms right after using a condom I bought on the internet off ebay. Recently I have found out that it is not an authentic, but a pirated product, which the same seller has a history of selling to other women who have ended up with infection and pain (I have done a lot of research about this) Initially I threw the product away but I have reordered from the same person and will attempt to have them tested to find out what they are made out of in hopes I might find out if I was exposed to something dangerous or have some kind of chemical sensitivity/allergy.
Some days all I can do is sit and bear the pain while the dishes go undone and I can't take my child to the park even cause I can barely stand. I feel like I might as well be in a coma.
I take prosed, amtriptyline,(just switched to that)MSM, aloe, loratadine, birth control pills, finally got prescribed some lidocaine, and fresh vegetable juice .
I take a limited amount of pain meds, but my doctor wants me off of them eventually, and that would be great if the pain goes away. If not, I will either have to find a new doctor or get a med. marajuana card, but Im not keen on that, I think i would be great for pain but I think legally it is too much of a gray area for me to be comfortable with.

[Talula]

So, I have continued my research into these condoms. Upon inspection I realized they are very obviously covered in some kind of powder or talc, and get this, they have some kind of liquid on the inside of the condom, very strange. Also my husband reminded me, that when we did use the condom, he experienced some burning too, only his went away after a day. I was stupid to purchase condoms from a "fly by night operator" instead of a trusted brand. I am going to discuss with my doctor that I may have some kind of chemical cystitis, but I doubt it will do any good. Interstitial cystitis is a good catch all diagnosis to avoid further problem solving that in some cases, could end the pain. I do know that the only things that affect me in my diet, are larger amounts alcohols and fermented products and foods that make my body acidic (I can eat citrus and all other fruits, no problem.)Mostly what triggers increased pain for me is sexual activity, stress, or even, nothing at all. But really I am in pain 24-7 with no rhyme of reason

[keln9813]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with IC two years ago. I was seeing a urologist in portland for the first 6 months, but nothing was working. I started seeing Tori Hudson a natropathic doctor at A womens time clinic in NW portland. I feel so much better and i take Bladder Ease by Vitanica. I am so thankful that I found them because I dont know where I would be without them.

[ICNDonna]

There's a support group in the Portland area. They might be able to give you some recommendations.

Donna

[Talula]

I posted an update in the alternative therapies section. Thanks for all your replies. Bethany, I want to see how things go before I recommend this doctor to anyone, but I will if things go well!

[butterfly_wings]

I've heard of Tori Hudson’s great work with cancer patients. Was she helpful and knowledgeable about IC? Is what she gave you working? I'm seeing a Naturopathic doctor but the medicine he is giving me isn't helping my IC but luckily is helping me with depression and anxiety.

[keln9813]

Tori Hudson Suggest that I take Bladder ease and A better woman, And I have seen tremendous results, of course it is different for every person. But I feel fortunate to have seen her early on.

Good Luck
Feel free to e mail me at keln@pdx.edu if you have other questions